Aragon next in 'autumn break' MotoGP tests

The current two-weekend break between the Brno and Misano MotoGP rounds is the same length of time as for the official summer break.

The difference during the 'autumn break' is that testing is ongoing, with Honda, Yamaha and some CRTs attending an official post-race session on the Monday after Brno, while Ducati held a private two-day test at Misano.

The testing split will continue this week, with Honda and Yamaha attending a private two-day session at Aragon on Tuesday and Wednesday, with Ducati opting for unofficial laps at Mugello.

Aragon will mark the second MotoGP test of the year at the Spanish circuit, following a single-day in early June, which was a replacement for the cancelled Estoril test. Repsol Honda did not attend that test.

The circuit will also host round 14 of the championship at the end of September and the main focus at this week's outing will be on title contenders Jorge Lorenzo and Dani Pedrosa, plus Repsol Honda stand-in Jonathan Rea.

Lorenzo tried an early 2013 Yamaha prototype at the Brno test, but didn't feel any benefit over his present machine. Further upgrades are expected for Aragon.

Pedrosa, who switched to a 2013 Honda prototype in late July, is likely to seek a continued cure for the long-running chatter problems, while temporary team-mate Rea will be making his second appearance for the Repsol team.

The 25-year-old Ten Kate Honda WSBK star has been called up to replace the injured Casey Stoner at the next two races, Misano and Aragon, barring an early return for the Australian.

Rea, whose only previous MotoGP experience was a private test on an 800cc Honda in 2010, completed 61 laps at Brno with a best time 3.145s behind fastest man Cal Crutchlow (Tech 3 Yamaha).

The Aragon test will be Rea's last opportunity to famailirise himself with the RC213V and Bridgestone tyres prior to his expected grand prix debut at Misano from September 14-16.

Rea has raced at Brno, Aragon and Misano in WSBK.

While Honda and Yamaha are in Aragon, GPOne.com reports that Ducati - which will hand Valentino Rossi and the returning Nicky Hayden a new frame and swing-arm to try at the San Marino GP - will test at Mugello.

Moto2 star Andrea Iannone and CRT MotoGP rider Danilo Petrucci are expected to be at the controls of the GP12s.

Iannone, linked to a 2013 satellite Ducati seat, will be making his second Ducati test appearance of the year, while Petrucci faces a busy few days with rumours that his Ioda team could switch to the Suter BMW of Colin Edwards for Misano.

Edwards tested an Aprilia at Brno, with his Forward Racing squad likely to make its debut with the privateer-leading ART bike at Misano.

UPDATE: It is now reported that Gresini CRT rider Michele Pirro, not Petrucci, will join Iannone at the Mugello test.